Lawrence Robert Smith

Larry passed away peacefully at home amid family after a courageous 20-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was predeceased by his parents, Ross Smith and Tami Young, his brothers Gerry, George, Herb, Ray and Jim, his granddaughter Crystal Lambert and Roland, the partner of his daughter Lissa.

He is survived by his wife Dawn, with whom he shared 68 years of a devoted and loving marriage, his children: Rob (Heather), Lissa, James (Linda), and Jonathan (Susan), sisters Gloria, Dixie and Catherine, as well as 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Ashcroft, as a child Larry lived in different parts of the interior of BC and North Vancouver before moving to Port Alberni. There he began his working life at age 14 as a “Whistle Punk” at Sproat Lake. He spent most of his working life logging, as a truck driver and mechanic. Early in his career he also ran his own logging and transport trucks. He was industrious, resourceful and one of the hardest workers you could ever meet.

In Port Alberni he met and married Dawn. They started their family there before spending a few years in Sicamous and Winnipeg then bringing their family back home to the Island, settling in Parksville in 1971.

In his younger years, Larry was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. In retirement he enjoyed golfing with close friends at Pheasant Glen and even scored a hole-in-one. He was well known in the community for always having a pocketful of candy to hand out wherever he went. Above all Larry cherished his family.

Dawn and the family extend heartfelt gratitude to the Home Support workers and the Palliative Care at Home Team whose support, compassion and dedication made it possible for Larry to remain at home in his final days.